No matter when you plan a trip to Rome, you’re going to find the city crowded with tourists. This year, the Catholic Church is celebrating Jubilee 2025, and even more pilgrims are making their way there. Add in the fact that the Church has a new pope that everyone wants to see, and you have one big crowd moving throughout the city. To make the most of your trip, let me give you a few tips.
Plan in Advance
Book your accommodations and activities in advance. The earlier you book, the less expensive hotels and other accommodations will be. If you wait too long, you may not find anywhere to stay.
One thing to consider when booking, by the way, is the distance to-and-from where you want to go while in Rome. Yes, it may be less expensive to book a hotel in Frascati or Castel Gandolfo (Both are towns about 20 minutes from Rome by train), but consider that you will spend time and money on train tickets or other transport if you stay there. If you have an excursion at the Vatican at 7:30 am, are you going to want to get up and catch a train early enough to get you to the Vatican on time? And, what will you do if the train isn’t on time?
In addition to booking accommodations early, book your activity tickets in advance. During the summer season, tickets to the Vatican, Colosseum, Galleria Borghese, and other museums are in high demand. If you wait until you get to Rome to book an experience, you may not be able to get tickets, or you may have to pay a premium price.
Pack Appropriate Clothing
Italy is hot in the summer, and Rome can be brutal with the heat and humidity. Dress accordingly. Keep in mind that they definitely do not allow shorts, miniskirts, tanks tops, or sleeveless tops in any religious building. Jeans—clean and not torn—are almost a uniform in Italy. You’ll see men wearing jeans with sports coats during the work week. Women wear leggings and jeans a lot, and they dress them up with tops and accessories. The older men and women even dress up to go to the markets. Good shoes are utmost important. Make sure you have comfortable shoes with good support for all of the walking.
Prioritize
No matter how long you stay in Rome, you are not going to see everything. Don’t make the same mistake I made and try to see everything in a few days. The first time I took a group to Rome, I booked activities for them starting early in the morning and ending around dinner time. By the third day, they were so tired they skipped seeing the Colosseum.
Want to see the Vatican? Great. Get your tickets and go. The Pantheon? Ditto. Colosseum? Double ditto. But, space them out over a few days. Take time to wander the streets of Trastevere or Campo di Fiore or Piazza del Popolo. Sit at a bar and have a caffe like the Italians do. Have an aperitivo in the afternoon. Believe me, you will not only enjoy the trip more but also remember more of what you see.
Go Somewhere Other Than Rome
If you really want to see Italy but are not wild about fighting crowds in Rome, you can always go to a place that will be less crowded. Keep in mind that those coming for the Jubilee will probably also travel elsewher, but most of them will most likely hit Florence and Venice. Here are a few other town you might consider.
Bologna
Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world. In 2000, Bologna was named the European Capital of Culture. In 2006, it was the first Italian city named a Unesco City of Music, and it captured the number one spot (out of 107 Italian cities) in quality of life. The historic center is the second largest in Europe. There are more than 24 miles of porticos and more than 50 museums in the city.
Lucca
Lucca is between Pisa and Florence in Tuscany. Its Renaissance (16th- and 17th- century) ramparts encircle the historic city center and have broad, tree-lined paths along the tops for strolling and cycling. In September, they celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross.
Matera
Considered the third oldest city in the world, Matera was once the “shame” of Italy. As late as the 1950s, residents lived in caves with no electricity, running water, drainage, or sewers. In 1952, the Italian government forced the residents to the newly built area, but people begged to return. The government relented, and in 1986 residents who agreed to restore the Stassi with their own money, returned. Today, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2019.
Orvieto
Orvieto sits on a tufa hill overlooking the Umbrian countryside. The city has Pozzo di San Patrizio (16th-century well shaft with a double spiral staircase).an underground network of caves and walkways used in medieval times to escape the city during wars. A funicular takes you from the lower, newer city to the historic town center. Click here for more information.
Sulmona
Located about 90 km east of Rome, Sulmona is one of the prettiest cities in Italy. The birthplace of the poet Ovid, Sulmona is also the birthplace of confetti, more commonly known as sugar-coated almonds. Its 12the century aqueduct dominates the town’s main piazza (left) where they hold a wonderful market twice weekly. In addition, Sulmona is the king of the passeggiata, the historic evening ritual where the people get out and walk through town between 5 and 8 nightly.
Lecce
Known as the “Florence of the South,“ Lecce is full of monuments, churches, palaces, and museums. While there is much to see, they say that Lecce is better “experienced, “walking, wandering, watching and observing the town.” Its history goes back centuries, and there are Roman ruins throughout the city. Lecce’s 17th-century baroque buildings are made of the cream-colored stone from the area.
Prefer to Be Near Water?
Stresa
Stresa is a small town on the shore of Lake Maggiore, one of the largest lakes in Italy’s Lake District. Originally a fishing village, it eventually came under the control of the Borromeo family, hence the Borromean Islands. A hotel in town staying was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, and he based part of Farewell to Arms in the hotel. From Stresa, you can visit the Borromean islands via ferry.
Desenzano del Garda
Desenzano del Garda is a charming town located on the southern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy. Known for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere, it attracts both locals and tourists alike. The town boasts a picturesque lakeside promenade, offering stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding hills. Its historical center is a mix of narrow streets, quaint squares, and elegant architecture, including the impressive cathedral, which dates back to the 16th century.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a charming Pugliese town located on the Adriatic coast. The town has a beautiful harbor where fishermen return with their daily catch; flower-lined streets; small piazzas, and so much more. There are also a number of free beaches in town.
In Other Words
No matter if you visit Rome and/or one of these other cities this year, be prepared so that you can enjoy yourself.
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